Aerodynamically Streamlined Enclosure for Input Devices of a Medication Preparation System

ABSTRACT

A system for preparing a pharmaceutical compound comprises: a scale having a platen configured for placement of an object thereon; a supporting arm comprising a first end coupled to a portion of the scale and a second end extending to a position above the platen of the scale; and an enclosure housing extending from the second end of the supporting arm and configured to house at least one input device. The enclosure housing has a curved front profile to minimize flow disturbance when the system is positioned within a flow hood.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/047,325, filed Sep. 8, 2014, entitled “Automated VisualDocumentation Feature with Minimal User Input”, United StatesProvisional Application Ser. No. 62/072,160, filed Oct. 29, 2014,entitled “Enhanced Pharmacist Review Module for a System for Preparing aPharmaceutical Compound”, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/072,054, filed Oct. 29, 2014, entitled “Aerodynamically StreamlinedEnclosure for Input Devices of a Medication Preparation System”, U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/078,067, filed Nov. 11, 2014,entitled “Aerodynamically Streamlined Enclosure for Input Devices of aMedication Preparation System”, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/077,968, filed Nov. 11, 2014, entitled “Enhanced Platen forPharmaceutical Compounding”, the entire disclosures of each of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally directed to an aerodynamicallystreamlined enclosure for housing input devices, such as a scannerand/or camera, which are part of a medication preparation system. Thestreamlined enclosure may be placed within a flow hood and may bepositioned in the upstream airflow vicinity of a scale.

2. Description of Related Art

The preparation of sterile pharmaceutical compounds typically takesplace in a flow hood that provides an air stream to create a clean zone.During such preparations, cameras, scanners, and/or scales may beutilized to document the preparation. These devices are typicallylocated in a flow hood and are positioned in the upstream air flowvicinity of a scale. However, any object will create an air flowdisturbance that will affect the downstream air flow of the object. Ifthis flow disturbance is present in the upstream vicinity of a scale,for instance, it can result in inconsistent pressure or turbulent flowconditions in the vicinity of the scale's weighing surface. Depending onthe level of flow disturbance, which is a function of multiple formparameters and location, this may result in the scale being unable tostabilize at all. A scale that cannot stabilize, may not be used toaccurately prepare a medication, such as a sterile compoundedmedication. In certain cases, the flow disturbance may result inaccuracy tolerances that are beyond the acceptable limits of the systemfor medication preparation.

Accordingly, a need exists for a smaller and/or more streamlined devicethat will result in a smaller flow disturbance near a scale of thesystem to create a higher likelihood of meeting accuracy and stabilityrequirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, provided is a system forpreparing a pharmaceutical compound. The system comprises: a scalehaving a platen configured for placement of an object thereon; asupporting arm comprising a first end coupled to a portion of the scaleand a second end extending to a position above the platen of the scale;and an enclosure housing extending from the second end of the supportingarm and configured to house at least one input device. The enclosurehousing has a curved front profile to minimize flow disturbance when thesystem is positioned within a flow hood.

The enclosure housing may be formed of an upper portion and a lowerportion. In addition, the enclosure housing may comprise a first endcoupled to the second end of the supporting arm and a second endextending over the platen of the scale. At least a portion of the secondend of the enclosure housing may have a height that is greater than aheight of at least a portion of the first end of the enclosure housing.

The at least one input device may include an image capture device, abarcode scanner, or both. If both an image capture device and a barcodescanner are provided within the enclosure housing, the barcode scannermay be angled, such as at a 45° angle with respect to a field of view ofthe image capture device, with respect to the image capture devicewithin the enclosure housing.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, provided is a systemfor preparing a pharmaceutical compound. The system comprises: acomputing device comprising a processor and a user interface providingan operator with instructions for preparing the pharmaceutical compound;a scale operatively coupled to the processor of the computing device;and an enclosure housing comprising an image capture device and abarcode scanner. The enclosure housing is supported by a supporting armand coupled to a portion of the scale. The image capture device isoperatively connected to the processor of the computing device and has afield of view positioned to capture an object positioned on the scale.The barcode scanner has a sensor that is offset from the scale.

The barcode scanner may be angled with respect to the image capturedevice within the enclosure housing. For instance, the barcode scannermay be angled at a 45° angle with respect to the field of view of theimage capture device. The enclosure housing may be supported by thesupporting arm such that the enclosure housing is positioned above thescale. The enclosure housing may have a curved front profile to minimizeflow disturbance within a flow hood.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, provided is asystem for preparing a pharmaceutical compound. The system comprises: acomputing device comprising a user interface providing an operator withinstructions for preparing the pharmaceutical compound; and a flow hoodhaving positioned therein: a scale operatively connected to the userinterface; and an enclosure housing comprising a camera positioned tocapture an image of the scale during the preparation of thepharmaceutical compound.

The enclosure housing may be positioned above the scale. The enclosurehousing may further comprise a barcode scanner. The enclosure housingmay have a curved front profile to minimize flow disturbance within theflow hood.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structures and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary pharmacy preparation systemfor preparing a pharmaceutical compound in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pharmacy preparation system of FIG.1 in a laminar flow hood having a user interface in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the pharmacypreparation system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a scale platen in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the scale platen of FIG. 4 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a groove of the scale platen ofFIG. 4 taken along line D-D of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flow hood system having anaerodynamically streamlined enclosure for input devices in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a perspective visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and no enclosure.

FIG. 8B is a side view visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and no enclosure.

FIG. 9A is a perspective visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a large bluntenclosure.

FIG. 9B is a side view visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a large bluntenclosure.

FIG. 10A is a perspective visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a medium sized bluntenclosure.

FIG. 10B is a side view visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a medium sized bluntenclosure.

FIG. 11A is a perspective visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a medium sizedstreamlined enclosure.

FIG. 11B is a side view visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a medium sizedstreamlined enclosure.

FIG. 12A is a perspective visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a small sizedstreamlined enclosure.

FIG. 12B is a side view visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a small sizedstreamlined enclosure.

FIG. 13A is a perspective visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a small sizedshortened streamlined enclosure.

FIG. 13B is a side view visual representation of the air flowdistribution within a flow hood having a scale and a small sizedshortened streamlined enclosure.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a scale and a housing enclosure in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the housing enclosure of FIG. 14taken along line A-A.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the housing enclosure of FIG. 14taken along line B-B.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”,“right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”,“longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the inventionas it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to beunderstood that the invention may assume various alternative variations,except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices illustrated in the attacheddrawings, and described in the following specification, are simplyexemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions andother physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosedherein are not to be considered as limiting.

The invention is directed to an aerodynamically streamlined enclosure tohouse input devices, such as a scanner and/or a camera, that are part ofa medication preparation system, such as a sterile drug compoundingsystem. These devices are typically located in a flow hood and arepositioned in the upstream air flow vicinity of a scale. Theaerodynamically streamlined enclosure is designed in such a way tominimize the airflow disturbance that is created by having a device in alaminar airflow stream. This configuration allows the device to beplaced in the upstream vicinity of a scale and still have an acceptablegravimetric accuracy (i.e. +/−0.05 g) and stabilization time (i.e. nomore than 2 additional seconds) for verifying medication preparationpurposes.

Any object will create an air flow disturbance that will affect thedownstream air flow of the object. If this flow disturbance is presentin the upstream vicinity of a scale it can result in inconsistentpressure or turbulent flow conditions in the vicinity of the scale'sweighing surface. Depending on the level of flow disturbance, which is afunction of multiple form parameters and location, this may result inthe scale being unable to stabilize at all. A scale that cannotstabilize, may not be used to accurately prepare a medication, such as asterile compounded medication. In certain cases, the flow disturbancemay result in accuracy tolerances that are beyond the acceptable limitsof the system for medication preparation.

A smaller and/or more streamlined device will result in a smaller flowdisturbance and therefore a higher likelihood of meeting accuracy andstability requirements. The streamlined enclosure of the presentinvention has a form that minimizes flow disruption and drag, allowingfor stable and accurate enough gravimetric readings that are requiredfor medication preparation purposes. The streamlined enclosure of thepresent invention allows for required gravimetric scale accuracy andstability, while placing the input devices in the upstream airflowvicinity relative to the scale. Placing these objects (i.e. scannerand/or camera) within the scale vicinity is typically the ideal area fora number of reasons. A secondary advantage to the streamlined enclosureof the present invention is to provide and maintain a clean workingenvironment for the sterile preparation of medications. In use, thepurpose of the air stream in a flow hood is to create a clean zone forsanitary reasons. A turbulent zone created by objects near, or upstream,of the airflow may result in a potential contamination hazard duringmedication preparation. As a result, having an aerodynamically shapedenclosure housing for input devices minimizes the amount of laminarairflow disruption and decreases the chances of any type ofcontamination.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a singleenclosure houses at least one input device above the scale. Theenclosure may house multiple input devices above the scale, such as ascanner and a camera. The enclosure is small and streamlined enough sothat it has minimal effects on the stability and accuracy of the scale.

In certain cases, the input device enclosure may be positioned to theside or back of the scale and not directly provided in the upstreamvicinity of the scale's weighing surface relative to airflow direction.This configuration may provide stable and accurate gravimetric scalereadings since disturbed airflow would not reach the weighing surfacevicinity of the scale, however, the input device would be provided in aless than ideal location. For example, if the input device is a camera,this side or back placement of the camera would most likely requirephotographs to be taken in a perspective view. If the input device is ascanner, this side or back placement would provide the scanner in apotentially less ergonomic location for use by a user.

In other cases, the input device may have a small enough footprint to besuitable for use without any enclosure. This configuration may provideefficient ergonomic scanning and the ability to have pictures taken froma direct top down view. This configuration may require that the housingof the device itself be optimized to provide little disruption to theair flow.

In still other cases, positioning an input device above the scale but inan orientation and/or with aid from additional air flow manipulatingfeatures could result in air that is sufficiently channeled away fromthe scale weighing surface so as to not have an appreciable effect ongravimetric readings of the scale. Similarly, additional airflowmanipulating features could be designed to reorient disturbed airsufficiently such that when the air hits the scale weighing surface itis sufficiently deflected and/or dampened such that it does notadversely affect the stability and accuracy of the scale.

In another configuration, an enclosure may be provided around the scaleso as to eliminate any type of potential airflow disturbance togravimetric readings (i.e. a box housing used with high accuracyscales). A blunt, non-aerodynamic enclosure for the scale could fulfillgravimetric stability and accuracy requirements under a limited numberof hoods since airflow patterns and flow rates vary between hoods.

In yet another configuration, a scale may be provided with highfiltering for noisy environments or processing the gravimetric signaloutside of the scale's logic system. This configuration could be used asa solution to achieving more accurate and stable results with blunt ornon-streamlined objects.

In still another configuration, a platen of the scale may be provided ina way that minimizes the effects of airflow disturbances on the readingof the scale. Raising the device high enough above the scale could be asolution to achieving more accurate and stable results with blunt ornon-streamlined objects.

The degree of sensitivity that a scale has under a typical hood used insterile compounding is on the order of (+/−0.05 g) for a down flow rateof 55-80 cfm. To understand why this is the case, the pressure that isseen on the weighing surface of the scale and its relationship to thedesired level of accuracy needs to be understood. According tosimulations, the pressure that the platen (weighing surface of thescale) experiences ranges from −1.2 Pa to 0.1 Pa, with an average ofapproximately −0.07 Pa. To gain an accuracy of +/−0.05 g a deviation ofno more than +/−0.0126 Pa can be experienced by the scale due to airflowdisturbances. This is extremely small compared to the overall range ofpressure that the scale experiences. Qualitatively, this magnitude is sosmall that a user's hand moving in the vicinity of a surface can easilyinduce enough air movement to result in a much greater pressuredisturbance. As a result, parameters such as form location within thehood (different flow patterns in different areas) and hood brands/modelswere realized to have a great enough influence on the performance of thescale's stability and accuracy.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2, a pharmacy preparation system, denotedgenerally as reference numeral 1, assists pharmacists or non-pharmacisttechnicians in preparing a syringe, drug vial, or intravenous (IV) bagwith one or more prescribed pharmaceutical compounds. The pharmacypreparation system is operatively connected to a user interface 3including a computer having a processor and a stored memory, as well asa display 5 and a user input device 7, such as a keyboard, mouse, etc. Ascale 9 having a scale output interface 11 may be operatively connectedto the processor of the user interface 3. The scale 9 may be implementedas any suitable device for detecting a change in mass or weight when anobject is placed thereon. Accordingly, the scale 9 may simply beconfigured as a device that sends a signal when the mass or weight of anobject is greater or less than a predetermined threshold or ahigh-precision scale that provides an accurate reading of the weight ofan object placed thereon.

In one embodiment, a barcode scanner 13 may be operatively connected toat least one of the processor of the user interface 3 and the scale 9,such that the barcode scanner 13 may scan a medication vial having abarcode that is placed onto a portion of the scale 9. In anotherembodiment, an image capture device 15 may be operatively connected toat least one of the user interface 3 and the scale 9, such that theimage capture device 15 may take a picture of an item, such as amedication vial, IV bag, or syringe placed onto a portion of the scale9. In one embodiment, the image capture device 15 may capture aplurality of still images or running video of items placed onto aportion of the scale 9 throughout the medication compounding process fordocumentation and/or subsequent review of the medication compoundingprocess.

In still another embodiment, at least one of the barcode scanner 13 andthe image capture device 15 may be at least partially enclosed within ahousing 17. In certain configurations, the housing 17 may fully enclosethe barcode scanner 13 and the image capture device 15. Optionally, thehousing 17 may include only one of the barcode scanner 13 and the imagecapture device 15. In one configuration, the barcode scanner 13 may bepositioned within the housing 17 such that the barcode scanner 13 mayeasily scan a barcode of an item placed onto a portion of the scale 9without further manipulation by the user. In another configuration, theimage capture device 15 may be positioned within the housing 17 suchthat the image capture device may easily capture images of an itemplaced onto a portion of the scale 9 without further manipulation by theuser.

With specific reference to FIG. 3, the housing 17 may be formed of anupper portion 17A and a lower portion 17B which are interfaced toprovide minimal surface perturbations to minimize any surface adherenceof contaminants such as microbes or other pathogens. In one embodiment,the manufacturing of the housing 17 adheres to USP 797. Optical lenses6, 8 may be fitted with the housing 17 to further ensure adherence toUSP 797. In one configuration, optical lens 6 may be fitted with housing17 in optical communication with image capture device 15. In anotherconfiguration, optical lens 8 may be fitted with housing 17 in opticalcommunication with barcode scanner 13.

In one configuration, the barcode scanner 13 may be positioned withinthe housing 17 such that the barcode scanner 13 has a scanner that isoffset from immediately scanning a barcode of an item placed onto aportion of the scale 9 without further manipulation by the user. In thisconfiguration, accidental scanning is avoided. As shown in FIG. 3, thebarcode scanner 13 may be positioned such that the sensor is angled withrespect to a platen 31 of the scale, such as at a 45° angle by amounting bracket 18. In this configuration, the user must actively placethe objects to be scanned in range of the sensor of the barcode scanner13. In another configuration, the image capture device 15 may bepositioned within the housing 17 such that the image capture device mayeasily capture images of an item placed onto a portion of the scale 9without further manipulation by the user.

The housing 17 may be positioned above a portion of the scale 9, such assupported by a supporting arm 19. As shown in FIG. 2, the pharmacypreparation system 1 may be positioned within a laminar flow hood 25having an inlet air source 23 and an outlet air port 27 for creating alaminar flow of air within an interior 29 of the laminar flow hood 25.An exterior surface 21 of the housing 17 may have a curved front profileas shown in FIGS. 1-3 to provide it with a streamlined shape and/or aprofile which is optimized to reduce disruption of the flow of airwithin the laminar flow hood 25.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the scale 9 may include a base portion 43which supports a platen 31 thereon. The base portion 43 houses a straingauge load cell which measures the strain of an object placed on theplaten 31, and a force transducer, such as a load cell sensor, whichconverts the force applied to the platen 31 into an electrical signalwhich may be relayed to the scale output interface 11. The base portion43 supports the platen 31, such as a portion of the weighing surface ofthe scale 9, which may provide a visual indication, such as a crossrecess 35, to the technician of a center, or other desired portion, ofan image to be captured by the image capture device 15. This allows atechnician to properly position drug compounding related medications 37and related supplies within the field of view of the image capturedevice 15, such as the image capture device enclosed within the housing17 positioned above the platen 31 of the scale 9. In one configuration,as shown in FIGS. 4-6, an upper surface 41 of the platen 31 may define aplurality of recessed grooves 39 and/or protrusions extending from asurface of the platen 31 to frictionally restrain drug compoundingrelated medications 37 and related supplies on the upper surface 41 ofthe platen 31. In another configuration, the upper surface 41 of theplaten 31 may include a tackifier or other frictionally enhancingsurface to similarly restrain drug compounding related medications 37and related supplies on the upper surface 41 of the platen 31. Thearrangement of grooves 39 and/or protrusions may easily indicate to auser the center of the platen 31 which may be arranged to coincide withthe center of the field of view of the image capture device 15. Thesurface of the platen 31 may be coated with a durable composition thatresists degradation caused by exposure to caustic agents, such aschemotherapy compounds and drugs, as well as cleaning agents, such asbleach, isopropyl alcohol, and the like. In certain configurations, thedurable composition may be an epoxy or epoxy-based paint or coating.

The plurality of recessed grooves 39 and/or protrusions extending from asurface of the platen 31 may be configured to restrain any liquidmaterial that is accidentally spilled on the upper surface 41 of theplaten 31 during a compounding procedure. The plurality of recessedgrooves 39 may define a receiving well 47 (shown in FIG. 1) which servesto collect and restrain accidentally spilled material in a confined areawithin the platen 31 until proper disposal techniques may be employed.

In another embodiment, the platen 31 may be removable from a base unit43 of the scale 9. In this configuration, the platen 31 may bedisposable and a technician may remove and dispose of the platen 31after a single sterile drug compounding procedure. In thisconfiguration, calibration of the scale 9 may be required for eachindividual platen 31 that is engaged with the base 43. In an alternativeconfiguration, the platen 31 may include a disposable cover layer (notshown) which may be removed and disposed of after a sterile drugcompounding procedure. The disposable aspect of the platen 31 ensuresthat prior to each compounding procedure, the platen 31 is clean andthat no contaminates may transfer to a component of the drug compoundingprocedure. The platen 31 may be formed of a metal, composite, orpolymeric material, as is conventionally known for scale weighingsurfaces. In a further configuration, each platen 31 may include aunique individual identifier 45, embedded therein or attached to asurface thereof, which may be captured in an image captured by the imagecapture device 15. This allows for a technician and/or subsequentreviewer of the images captured by the image capture device 15 of thedrug compounding procedure to verify that the platen 31 was changedbetween preparations. This may provide documented proof of atechnician's compliance with institutional safety and sterilityrequirements. In certain configurations, the individual identifier 45may be detected by the system software to determine whether the platen31 has been replaced at a specified interval, for example, at aspecified point during a shift, a day, a preparation and/or aftercontamination is detected. In a further configuration, the need for auser to change the platen 31 may be shown through the user interface 3,such as through a GUI. In a further configuration, the system mayinclude safety features such that the user may be prevented fromperforming a compounding procedure until the platen 31 is replaced. Auser may be prevented from preparing a sterile compounding procedureusing the scale 9 and the platen 31 until the use duration of the platen31 is confirmed to be within a compliance parameter.

In a further embodiment, the platen 31 may include an absorbent materialwhich may absorb accidentally spilled material until proper disposaltechniques may be employed. In a further configuration, at least onereceiving well 47 of the platen 31 may include the absorbent materialtherein.

In certain situations, such as an aerosolation, it may be difficult fora technician to determine whether a cytotoxic material has beenaccidentally released from a container. Accordingly, the upper surface41 of the platen 31 may include a coating layer which provides a visualindication, such as a color change, in response to fluid contacting thecoating layer. In one configuration, the coating layer provides a visualindication in response to a leak or unintentional spill of material onthe coating layer of the platen 31. The coating layer may be configuredto provide a color change upon contact with a cytotoxic material. Thevisual indication may be visually observable to a technician or user ofthe system. In other configurations, the visual indication may beobservable by the image capture device 15, or additional image capturedevice, such as an infrared camera.

In a further configuration, the platen 31 may be formed of a transparentand/or translucent material which permits passage of light therethrough.In this configuration, the base portion 43 of the scale 9 may alsoinclude a light source 49 for illuminating a portion of the platen 31,such as by passing light through the platen 31 from a locationunderneath the platen 31. This allows for enhanced visual inspection ofdrug compounding related medications 37 and related supplies to ensurethey are free of defects. For example, the illuminated platen 31 mayallow for a technician to visualize coring found in fluid filled IVbags. The light source 49 may be tuned to a certain wavelengthappropriate to illuminate certain particles present within the drugcompounding related medications 37. In a certain configuration, theplaten 31 may include regions that are opaque or substantially opaqueand regions that are transparent, substantially transparent,translucent, and/or substantially translucent in order to selectivelyallow for illumination of certain portions of the platen 31.

In another configuration, a scanner may be housed within the baseportion 43 of the scale 9. The scanner may be a barcode scanneroptically configured to scan barcode labels present on drug compoundingrelated medications 37 through the translucent and/or transparentportions of the platen 31. The barcode scanner may be configured toobtain information from the barcodes to determine the contents of thevials placed on the platen 31. In a further configuration, a barcodewriter or an integrated label printer may be positioned within the baseportion 43 of the scale 9 to write information to the label of a drugcompounding related medication 37 placed on the platen 31. In oneconfiguration, the barcode writer may be configured to write informationto the label of a drug compounding medication 37 pertaining tocompounding results, date, time, lot numbers, and the like.

In yet a further configuration, the platen 31 may be in wirelesscommunication with one or more system components. For example, awireless interface may be provided in electrical communication with theplaten 31 which may read and/or write data to a device provided on topof the platen 31. The wireless interface may be a Bluetooth connectionto a pump connected to a drug vessel provided on the platen 31.Information transferred thereby may include pump operating parameters,such as patient specific flow rate and volumes. Accordingly, anautomatically programmed device may be provided without requiringfurther user handling steps.

In yet a further configuration, the platen 31 may be configured toexhibit a visual indicator, such as a color change, when a weightmeasured by the scale 9 is within a specified tolerance. For example,the platen 31 may be equipped with an illuminated display which isactivated once the scale 9 is stabilized and the unit measured is withina specified tolerance for a given drug compounding process.

In operation, the pharmacist/technician may be prompted through a seriesof display screens provided on the display of the user interface 3 totake the following steps. First, the operator may scan a first barcodewith the barcode scanner 13 on a drug compounding related medication 37including a drug to be reconstituted to prepare the prescribedpharmaceutical compound. The medication container may be placed on thescale 9 at the time of the scan, or a user may first scan the barcodeand subsequently place the drug compounding related medication 37 on theplaten 31 of the scale 9. Once the weight stabilizes, the systemverifies, using a mathematical algorithm, that the measured weight ismeeting the weight target plus/minus a predetermined tolerance. Inaddition, the image capture device 15 takes an image of the drugcompounding related medication 37 and displays it to the user on thedisplay of the user interface 3. The user then removes the drugcompounding related medication 37 from the platen 31 and the image issaved to the data record of the drug preparation. If the system cannotverify that the measured weight is within that target weight tolerance,the technician is required to re-perform this step until the correctweight is achieved.

Next, the technician scans a second barcode of a fluid container offluid that is to be mixed with the drug to be reconstituted. Asdiscussed above, the medication container containing the fluid may beplaced on the scale 9 at the time of the scan, or a user may first scanthe barcode and subsequently place the drug compounding relatedmedication 37 on the platen 31 of the scale 9. Once the weightstabilizes, the image capture device 15 takes an image of the drugcompounding related medication 37 and displays it to the user on thedisplay of the user interface 3. The user then removes the drugcompounding related medication 37 and the image is saved to the datarecord of the drug preparation. Again, if the system cannot verify thatthe measured weight is within that target weight tolerance, thetechnician is required to re-perform this step until the correct weightis achieved.

Thereafter, the user mixes the drug to be reconstituted with the fluidin the fluid container, both drug compounding related medications 37, byinjecting the fluid from the fluid container into the medicationcontainer. The medication container is then returned to the platen 31 ofthe scale 9 and the weight of the medication container is verified. Oncethe weight is stabilized and verified, the image capture device 15automatically takes an image of the completed drug compounding relatedmedication 37 based on a signal received from the scale and displays theimage on the display of the user interface 3. If the system cannotverify that the measured weight is within that target weight tolerance,the technician is required to re-perform this step until the correctweight is achieved.

If the technician decides that any of the above-described images are notmeeting certain requirements, there is the option to request a new oradditional image. Requesting another picture may automatically switchthe image capture device 15 into a “live video mode” displayed at theuser interface 3. The technician can now move the medication containeron the scale 9 to a preferred position and trigger the image capturethrough the user interface 3. As before, the captured image will beshown at the user interface 3 and by removing the item from the scale 9,the technician accepts the image and the system automatically moves tothe next compounding step.

Once the drug preparation is complete, the system may optionally print abarcode label for placement on the completed drug preparation thatincludes encoded information representing the name of the pharmaceuticaland patient information.

The pharmacy preparation system 1 may function in conjunction withseveral sequential computer-implemented modules for preparing andadministering a prescribed fluidic compound, such as a chemotherapycompound. The modules each include code allowing for input from a user,generating output, and calculating and determining instructions for thepreparation and administration of the pharmaceutical compound that maybe implemented on one or more processors. More specifically, the modulesmay, allow for a physician to enter a prescription for a patient that issubsequently verified for accuracy, prepared based on computer-aidedinstruction, verified based on a weight measurement, and administered toa patient. The modules may, during the drug preparation: (i) retrievethe prescription information data input by the physician in the CPOEmodule from the intra-hospital network; (ii) verify that the scannedbarcode corresponds with the prescription information; (iii) determineif the weight of the syringe and/or IV bag is within a predeterminedthreshold accuracy level for the amount of the pharmaceutical to beadministered; (iv) determine what adjustments must be made if the weightis not accurate; and (v) transmit data relating to the weight of thesyringe and/or IV bag back to the intra-hospital network. These modulesand processes may be implemented on several networked computing devices,or an independent computing device having its own processor where dataand information is communicated between the computing devices using anysuitable wired or wireless communication protocol, such as, but notlimited to Ethernet, WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth, or the like.

Accordingly, the present invention guides a pharmacist or technicianthrough the different compounding steps to prepare a medication order ina pharmacy by giving step-by-step instructions on a computer screen andverifying the different compounding steps by measuring the weight of thecompounded liquids with a scale. The measured weight is then analyzedwith a mathematical algorithm which checks if the necessary compoundingaccuracy has been accomplished. Every time an item is placed on thescale, a picture of the top of the scale is captured to create a visualdocumentation trail of the compounding process. The pictures are storedtogether with the recorded measurements from the scale and the algorithmresults in a log file. If a measured weight of a drug is not in thepredefined tolerance range of the expected weight, the softwaregenerates instructions to change the amount of the drug to bring itwithin the acceptable tolerance range. The software will not proceed tothe next compounding step as long as the required tolerance of thepresent step has not been accomplished.

EXAMPLES

Referring specifically to FIG. 7, a flow hood is shown having an inletlaminar flow condition of 70 ft/min and an outlet flow condition of 533ft/min. The flow hood includes an inlet environmental pressure conditionof 0 pa. The flow hood also includes a weighing surface of a scale andan enclosure that is being assessed. For purposes of modeling, asimplified half model environment is shown.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-13B, a series of computational fluid dynamicsimulations are reflected showing the difference in airflow disturbancebetween different enclosure forms. For each of these figures, the flowtrajectories and velocity contours were used as outputs and theidentical environment, grid, and boundary conditions were used in eachsimulation. For each testing run, a 3 minute stability test was employedin which any oscillations that would occur in three minutes withoutbeing touched were documented. For the testing runs, a 100 g weight wasused and 25 sample tests were run. The first stabilized value that thescale registered was recorded and two standard deviations werecalculated and recorded as the accuracy.

FIGS. 8A-8B represent the air flow in a flow hood under idealizedconditions with no enclosure present in the flow hood. The experimentalassessment of the scale under these conditions was a stability of+/−0.00 g and an accuracy of +/−0.0229 g. To understand the designvariables that are critical to scale stability, the typical airflowwithin a compounding hood, as shown in FIG. 8A, must be understood. InFIG. 8A, flow is directed from the top of the hood to the bottom and airexists in the two areas (seen in red) at the front and back of the hood.Near the platen of the scale, the air splits into alternative paths.With reference to FIG. 8B, since the enclosure housing is located abovethe scale, the enclosure housing is prone to create an airflowdisturbance downstream which may result in scale instability andinaccuracy. Certain enclosure housing designs may be optimized to reducethis downstream airflow disturbance.

FIGS. 9A-9B represent the air flow in a flow hood with a largerelatively blunt enclosure head present in the flow hood positionedabove the scale. The experimental assessment of the scale under theseconditions was a stability of +/−0.06 g and an unknown accuracy as theresulting scale readings were too unstable.

FIGS. 10A-10B represent the air flow in a flow hood with a medium sizedrelatively blunt enclosure head present in the flow hood positionedabove the scale. The experimental assessment of the scale under theseconditions was undetermined.

FIGS. 11A-11B represent the air flow in a flow hood with a medium sizedrelatively streamlined enclosure head present in the flow hoodpositioned above the scale. The experimental assessment of the scaleunder these conditions was a stability of +/−0.02 g and an accuracy of+/−0.0445 g.

FIGS. 12A-12B represent the air flow in a flow hood with a small sizedvery streamlined enclosure head present in the flow hood positionedabove the scale. The experimental assessment of the scale under theseconditions was a stability of +/−0.015 g and an accuracy of +/−0.0297 g.

FIGS. 13A-13B represent the air flow in a flow hood with a medium sizedbut shortened relatively streamlined enclosure head present in the flowhood positioned above the scale. The experimental assessment of thescale under these conditions was a stability of +/−0.01 g and anaccuracy of +/−0.0153 g.

In each of FIGS. 8A-13B, the pressure and air speed of air within theflow hood is shown. The areas labeled B correspond to the smallest airspeed and lowest pressure, corresponding to the least airflowdisturbance. In contrast, the areas labeled R correspond to the greatestair speed and highest pressure, corresponding to the greatest airflowdisturbance.

As shown in FIGS. 14-16, it is an objective of the present invention tominimize the quantity of turbulence that reaches the platen 31 of thescale 9. Maximizing the distance “Z” between the housing 17 and theplaten 31 aids in allowing any disturbance created by the housing 17 tobe swept toward the back of the hood prior to reaching the surface ofthe platen 31. Minimizing the distance “Y” aids in a similar fashion asthis is directly related to the distance the disturbed air needs totravel prior to reaching the platen 31 of the scale 9. Minimizing “Y”and cross-sectional diameter a results in the smallest orthogonal areato the flow stream, thereby minimizing airflow disturbance. Maximizingthe b/a cross-sectional ratio in conjunction with smooth curving of thehousing 17 creates a streamlined profile in the direction of the flowstream. This will minimize the amount of air that becomes turbulent bygradually splitting the laminar airflow stream and subsequently allowingit to reconnect.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the fullbreadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for preparing a pharmaceuticalcompound, comprising: a scale having a platen configured for placementof an object thereon; a supporting arm comprising a first end coupled toa portion of the scale and a second end extending to a position abovethe platen of the scale; and an enclosure housing extending from thesecond end of the supporting arm and configured to house at least oneinput device, wherein the enclosure housing has a curved front profileto minimize flow disturbance when the system is positioned within a flowhood.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the enclosure housing is formedof an upper portion and a lower portion.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the enclosure housing comprises a first end coupled to thesecond end of the supporting arm and a second end extending over theplaten of the scale.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the second end of the enclosure housing has a height that isgreater than a height of at least a portion of the first end of theenclosure housing.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneinput device comprises at least one of an image capture device and abarcode scanner.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneinput device comprises an image capture device and a barcode scanner. 7.The system of claim 6, wherein the barcode scanner is angled withrespect to the image capture device within the enclosure housing.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the barcode scanner is angled at a 45° anglewith respect to a field of view of the image capture device.
 9. A systemfor preparing a pharmaceutical compound, comprising: a computing devicecomprising a processor and a user interface providing an operator withinstructions for preparing the pharmaceutical compound; a scaleoperatively coupled to the processor of the computing device; and anenclosure housing comprising an image capture device and a barcodescanner, the enclosure housing supported by a supporting arm and coupledto a portion of the scale, wherein the image capture device isoperatively connected to the processor of the computing device and has afield of view positioned to capture an object positioned on the scale,and wherein the barcode scanner has a sensor that is offset from thescale.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the barcode scanner is angledwith respect to the image capture device within the enclosure housing.11. The system of claim 10, wherein the barcode scanner is angled at a45° angle with respect to the field of view of the image capture device.12. The system of claim 9, wherein the enclosure housing is supported bythe supporting arm such that the enclosure housing is positioned abovethe scale.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the enclosure housing hasa curved front profile to minimize flow disturbance within a flow hood.14. The system of claim 9, wherein the enclosure housing is formed of anupper portion and a lower portion.
 15. A system for preparing apharmaceutical compound, comprising: a computing device comprising auser interface providing an operator with instructions for preparing thepharmaceutical compound; and a flow hood having positioned therein: ascale operatively connected to the user interface; and an enclosurehousing comprising a camera positioned to capture an image of the scaleduring the preparation of the pharmaceutical compound.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the enclosure housing is positioned above the scale.17. The system of claim 15, wherein the enclosure housing furthercomprises a barcode scanner.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein thebarcode scanner is angled with respect to the camera within theenclosure housing.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the barcodescanner is angled at a 45° angle with respect to a field of view of animage capture device.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the enclosurehousing has a curved front profile to minimize flow disturbance withinthe flow hood.